San Bernardino Press MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2014 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2014
sanbernardinopress.com
VOLUME 1, NO. 18
Three men charged in San Bernardino Inland Empire police officer shooting Latino Art BY VICKIE VÉRTIZ Association On Tuesday, August 26, three men were charged in conexhibit at nection with a shooting that left a San Bernardino police Officer Gathe County briel Garcia in critical condition. The shooting also left the suspectMuseum ed gunman dead after an early morning shootout, as reported by the Desert Sun. Just four days before, San Bernardino police Officer Gabriel Garcia was seriously wounded on August 22 during the struggle between assailants and law enforcement. Sadly, Jonathan Contreras, 20, Orlando Cruz, 24, and Gonzalo Medina, 22, are all residents of San Bernardino, and were each charged with two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer and one count of possession of an assault weapon. The San Bernardino County District Attorney also stated that the weapon was an AK-47, which was displayed at a news conference on the matter. Police confirmed that Officer Garcia had been shot once in the head after he and a trainee officer approached a group of people that morning at a home on a North Garner Avenue, according
impacting college campuses such as high risk drinking, illegal drug use, and sexual assault. National Campus Safety Awareness Month activities are focused on advocacy, education and training, and supporting policy initiatives and legislation that address issues related to these frightening realities. We are so pleased that our District Police Department is proactive in addressing these challenges.”
A special art exhibition to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month will open at the San Bernardino County Museum on Saturday, September 6, 2014. Entitled “Sueños y Realidad,” the exhibit is organized and curated by the Inland Empire Latino Art Association and features works by two dozen artists. A reception for the artists is scheduled at the museum on Friday, September 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sueños y Realidad (Dreams and Reality) will continue through September 29 and is included with paid museum admission. “The concept of dreams and reality is a subject which deals with the complexities of what first develops in the mind as a vision, a dream if you will, and how that dream, combined with a sincere desire, can develop into an absolute reality,” said Brad Borrero, IELAA. “In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Inland Empire Latino Art Association has brought together artists from the Inland Empire and afar to explore their dreams and the process artists take, to bring those dreams and visions into reality.” In 1985, Drs. Tom and Lilly Rivera invited Latino artists from the Inland Empire to exhibit artwork at their home in Grand Terrace. Some of these artists—Ernie Colunga, Roberto Garcia, Saul Hernandez, and Rudy Ramirez— wanted to continue exhibiting their work, and founded the Inland Empire Latino Art Associa-
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Jonathan Contreras and Alex Alvarado -Courtesy Photos
to the Sun. The police added that the gunman was identified as Alex Alvarado, 38, and was killed by a trainee officer after Alvarado allegedly opened fire on the police. Officers from other agencies came to the scene and several other people were taken into custody, Contreras as well, who was being held on suspicion of possession of the assault-style rifle and a revolver. Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said Friday that investigators believe Alvarado fired both weapons, but initially had no reason to believe the other people who were
detained fired weapons. The Sun reported that Alvarado was still believed to be the sole gunman, regardless, the three men were all charged with attempted murder, authorities said. “They were all together in a location, in a vehicle, and they all had knowledge of these weapons,” District Attorney Ramos said. “We have no doubt that all these individuals are guilty.” If convicted, prosecutors said each man faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison. Please see page 2
SBCCD police department expands communication & training opportunities September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month, a month dedicated to enhancing dialogue around campus safety issues. The San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees approved a Resolution recognizing the significance of the month and the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) Police Department is undertaking a month of activities to encourage all members of the campus community as well as ven-
dors and visitors to support and protect each other. All events are free and open to the public. Limited parking is available on campus with a $2 daily pass. Free parking is available by both campuses on a first come-first served basis. Chancellor Bruce Baron said, “The health and safety of our students is one of our highest priorities. Unfortunately, college campuses are not immune to destructive behaviors and violence, including some current issues
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Ten second warning of Napa earthquake makes the case for full west coast early warning system Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) released the following statement after the U.C. Berkeley Seismological Lab provided residents in Oakland and San Francisco with a ten second warning before the Napa Valley earthquake shook their homes, businesses and infrastructure: "Today's successful use of the early earthquake warning system shows that a full West Coast system would be successful in giving residents, businesses and critical infrastructure an important warning of a large magnitude earthquake. While this was not the 'big one,' we need to be prepared to save lives and protect vital infrastructure -- even a few seconds of warning will allow people to seek cover, automatically slow or stop trains, pause surgeries
and more." Earlier this year, Rep. Schiff through the Appropriations Committee included $5 million in funding in the Fiscal Year 2015 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill for the Earthquake Early Warning System, the first time Congress has ever provided funding specifically for the system. Schiff also led a group of 25 Members from California, Washington and Oregon in organizing a request that the committee fund an early earthquake warning system. A limited system developed by Caltech, UC-Berkeley and University of Washington, in conjunction with the United State Geological Survey (USGS), has already been deployed and has proven that the early warning technology is sound.
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Latino Art Association exhibit Continued from page 1
tion (IELAA). The late Roberto Garcia served as its first chairman. In May, 1991, through the sponsorship of Drs. Ernie and Dottie Garcia, the IELAA curated an Open Invitational Art Exhibit at the National Orange Show in the Kaiser Dome Building. In May, 1992, the IELAA held its first art exhibit at the Norman Feldheym Central Library, “Fiesta de Colores, An Art Exhibit”. This year marks their twenty second annual art exhibit. Participating artists in Sueños y Realidad include Louie (Hippieone) Solano and Gil Arreola, Fontana; Bill Marquez and Victor Suarez, Grand Terrace; Efren Montiel Jimenez, Rialto; Theresa Hernandez and William Borges, Riverside; Lindy Lucero Gonzales, Annette Ramirez, and Rudy Ramirez, Colton; Vanessa Machado, Redlands; Richard Wynne, Lake Elsinore; Lorraine Rangel, Highland; Ernie Colunga, Yeni Burgos, Thomas Ramirez,Johnniemane Solis, Alfonso Mendez, Sabino Zermeño, Brad Borrero, Robert Chairez, and Rose Marie Loya, San Bernardino; Marilou Santiago and Nick Bejarano, Mira Loma; Oscar Vega Romero, Los Angeles; and Klaus Pinter, Austria. Paintings, block prints, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media are included in the exhibit. “The IELAA continues to
promote the arts in the Inland Empire with exhibits at the National Orange Show’s Art Gallery, San Bernardino County Government Center, the historic California Theater of the Performing Arts, participating in last year’s Calaveras Project and the Arts & Music Festival at California State University San Bernardino this past May. We continue to seek new artists to join our art group,” said Rudy Ramirez, IELAA chairman. “We hope the public enjoys this art exhibit at the San Bernardino County Museum as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to them,” The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5pm.General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669.
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The three men were arraigned Wednesday in San Bernardino Superior Court, said the Sun. Officer Gabriel Garcia, 31, is still in a medically induced coma, said the San Bernardino Police Department. There had been no substantial change to his condition, Lieutenant Rich Lawhead said Tuesday. The District Attorney said gang prosecutors were working the case, although no gang allegations were filed. The Sun reported that a
prayer vigil was held for Garcia Monday evening at the 66ers’ San Manuel Stadium. Garcia has been a police officer for six and a half years and is the father of a young child, said officials. He comes from a law enforcement family: his father is Captain R.C. Garcia, a 23-year veteran of the San Bernardino Police Department, according to the official police website. “This is very, very difficult for the family,” said Chief Burguan, as reported by The Desert Sun.
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Rep. Schiff urges Department of Justice to fund body-worn cameras for local police departments Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that he is circulating a letter to his colleagues which will be sent to Attorney General Eric Holder urging the Department of Justice to help fund local police departments’ purchase of small body-worn cameras in order to increase transparency, decrease tensions between police and community members, and create a record of events. Schiff, who is a member of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee and former Assistant U.S. Attorney, stated: “As the investigation into the death of Michael Brown illustrates, the circumstances of an officer-involved shooting can arouse the strongest passions in a community and breed an atmosphere of profound distrust. Having a video record of events not only deters the use of excessive force, but it also helps dispute or demonstrate claims of police brutality – in either case it improves community confidence in a just result. Studies done in localities that have implemented body-worn cameras have shown a positive impact by demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability and helping to deescalate potentially tense interactions. “Given the Department of Justice’s crucial role in helping state and local law enforcement adopt best practices, I believe it’s time to expand our support to include assistance to law enforcement agencies that would like to adopt body-worn camera technology for their police officers. The Department of Justice can use existing funding streams, or work with Congress to create a new pool of resources for local governments to help implement body-worn cameras for police officers throughout the country.” From the letter: “Police
departments around the country have begun adopting small body-worn cameras for police officers on patrol. These cameras provide a visual and audio record of interactions with the public, so that in the event of a confrontation or policeinvolved shooting, such as the one that occurred in Ferguson, there is an inalterable record of the events. There are also indications that the presence of body cameras has a civilizing effect on both police officers and the public, resulting in lower incidences of excessive force complaints and deescalating tense situations before they
become violent. Perhaps most importantly, cameras can instill greater trust in police departments on the part of the public they are sworn to protect. In communities with frayed police-community relations, cameras demonstrate a commitment on the part of the local police department to transparency and accountability, while protecting officers from false or frivolous complaints. For all these reasons, the adoption of body cameras has been well received in the jurisdictions that have begun to use them, both by the public and the officers wearing the cameras.”
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SBCCD police department expands communication & training opportunities Continued from page 1
SBCCD Police Chief Pierre Galvez explained, “Recognizing National Campus Safety Awareness Month helps set the stage for critical conversations between key groups on campus: students, faculty, and professional staff from campus police, public safety/security, health and wellness, student affairs, student life, and local organizations dedicated to violence prevention. The door is open to off campus individuals and groups as well.” The activities include: Coffee with a Cop – a chance for anyone to speak with an officer or just come by for a quick bite to start the day - Free coffee and donuts combined with informal and informative conversation. •Sept. 3, 7:30-8:30am at the District Office in the Board Room – 114 S. Del Rosa Dr., San Bernardino •Sept. 9, 7:45-9:30am at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) in classroom BUS 100 – 701 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., San Bernardino •Sept. 10, 7:45-9:30am Crafton Hills College (CHC) in the Cafeteria Quad – 11711 Sand Canyon Road, Yucaipa The following presentations will be made at San Bernardino Valley College in the Library Viewing Room from 12:30-1:30p.m.,with one exception: •Sept 4: Culture of Silence: Stalking Education and Awareness
•Sept 9: Speak Out and Stand Up: Raising Awareness about Sexual Assault •Sept 10: Domestic Violence Concerns in San Bernardino County, presented by District Attorney Ramos – THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD FROM 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. •Sept 11: Safety Awareness and Prevention regarding stalking, dating, domestic and sexual violence •Sept 16: Emergency Safety and Preparedness •Sept 18: Active Shooter Safety •Sept 23: Dealing with Irate People The following presentations will be held at Crafton Hills College in CL218 from noon to 1:00 p.m.: •Sept 3: Safety Awareness and Prevention regarding stalking, dating, domestic and sexual violence •Sept 10: Speak Out and Stand Up: oRaising Awareness about Sexual Assault oCulture of Silence: Stalking Education and Awareness •Sept 17: Emergency Safety and Preparedness •Sept 24: Dealing with Irate People The following workshops will be held at the District Office in the Board Room from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: •Sept. 3: Emergency Safety and Preparedness •Sept. 17: Active Shooter
Safety •Sept. 24: Safety Awareness and Prevention regarding stalking, dating, domestic and sexual violence In 2014, the Police Department took these steps to address specific campus safety issues. •Sexual Assault Response Teams were established on both campuses, round table discussions were held and the teams and departments met with local police departments to improve efficiency. •A clinical psychologist came to speak on each campus regarding active shooters and threat assessment. Officers from the Department spoke with staff, evaluated work spaces and discussed options regarding actions to take in the event of a shooter. •Student Orientation presentations have been made to students on both campuses regarding general safety information as well as specifics on trends and crimes students needed to be made aware of. •A Poetry Reading was held on the SBVC campus giving attendees the opportunity to tell their own stories regarding the impact of crime. Counselors were available for anyone who wanted to talk with a professional. •A speaker (rape survivor) spoke on both campuses discussing the impact of sexual assault and domestic violence. In addition, the Clothesline Project was held at SBVC, which emphasizes the lifelong trauma that can result from domestic violence and sexual assault. Starting in 2015, the Department will be offering additional programs, trainings and opportunities for victims of crime to speak out, including: •Start by Believing is a public awareness campaign to help change the way people respond to rape and sexual violence. If victims know they will be believed, then the hope is they will come forward and report. And in the process seek/are referred the help they need. •Live the Green Dot is a four day “train the instructor” course to be given at each site. The Green
Dot strategy is predicated on the belief that individual safety is a community responsibility and shifts the lens away from victims/ perpetrators and onto bystanders. The overarching goal is to mobilize a force of engaged and proactive bystanders. •The Clothesline Project will return to SBVC, as will the poetry readings. •Nonviolent Sexuality: Making Peace with Passion™ is a program that deals with alcohol and sexual violence issues on campus. Abstinence is addressed as a valid choice in relationships but not presented as a substitute for dealing with the realities of human sexuality and conflict. Nonviolent Sexuality deals with some sensitive issues in an entertaining and interactive manner that students find engaging and fun. •Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is a large scale event that raises men’s awareness of what women have to go through regarding sexual assault. Women can participate, male students, athletes, and staff members are encouraged to learn from the experience. Participants walk a one mile course set up on campus in high heels. •Speakers from a variety of professional organizations will be presented in April on a range of sexual assault and domestic violence topics, including dating violence, stalking, rape, sexual and domestic violence, and bystander intervention. •A Window between Worlds/Windows into Our Future exhibit to both campuses. The art exhibit has been created by survivors, friends and family members of those who have suffered from domestic violence. The exhibit is designed to show that art is a tool that often helps one heal from a traumatic event, or helps the survivor address what occurred and thereby let it go. With this exhibit attendees can participate and create their own art which will then become a part of the exhibit. •An Audio Visual Exhibit running various videos, clips, domestic violence and sexual assault related information.